The Asia-Pacific region at the beginning of the twenty-first century has witnessed a rise in bilateral preferential trade agreements which could have potentially dramatic effects on the trading patterns of countries in the trans-Pacific region. With a growing numbers of countries now considering further negotiation of bilateral trade accords, this topical book provides the first comprehensive analysis of this crucial phenomenon, highlighting how these arrangements will either fit or conflict with existing institutions. In order to examine the underlying political and economic factors driving these accords and their implications for broader trading arrangements, this significant book employs a theoretical framework, overviews political and economic trends in the region, and investigates detailed case studies of trade strategies in countries including Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan, the United States, and Mexico. Analyzing hotly debated topics and current, newsworthy discussions, it traces the growth of bilateralism as an emerging international economic phenomenon.
This book is imperative reading for policymakers and scholars, and will prove an invaluable resource for students of Asian Studies, politics, economics and management especially those interested in international trade, bilateral trade agreements, political economy, business strategy and trade.